Spatial and Social Determinants of Low Enrollment in PEF Schools: Insights from School Heads

Abstract

Despite initiatives to increase fair access to education, low enrollment in Punjab education foundation assisted schools is still a recurrent problem in Pakistan. This purpose of this study is to find the reasons why schools face a problem of low enrollment and how socioeconomic and geographic factors work together to create low enrollment trends. Semi-structured interviews with head teachers at PEF schools were used to gather insights and thematic analysis was done to qualitative data. Poor economic conditions of the parents, skill learning or labor work, madrassah education, migration towards other schools, educational policies, long period vocations, improper infrastructure and gender disparities are some interconnected determinants of low enrollment at the PEF schools.  The results show that low enrollment is a multifaceted educational injustice rooted in social and geographic circumstances rather than just a school-level problem. The study offers some actionable recommendations to improve students’ participation in schools, such as; raising awareness among the community and parents, promoting skill-based learning, implementing sustained educational policies and giving incentives and providing secure environment to reduce gender disparity.